Saturday, September 28, 2013

Educents: $15 Frenzy Deals ENDS 9/30

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Educents is in a frenzy! 15 items are being featured for $15 or LESS, but you'll have to hurry - sale ends Monday, 9/30. Here are just a few of the great deals that are being featured.

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Skeletal System Curriculum 
3rd - 5th Grade
Price: $14.95
Discount: 85%
Through fun and educational lessons, worksheets and stories, Human Body Detectives teaches kids about the skeletal system and its nutritional needs. A great combination of entertainment and educations,                                                                                       this curriculum engages students to learn and                                                                                                 understand about making healthier lifestyle choices!
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All About Animals Bundle
3rd - 4th Grade
Price: $14.00
Discount: 42%
This All About Animals Bundle contains three fabulous animal packs totaling over 330 pages of engaging activities including printables, graphic organizers, and more.
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Homeschooling and Loving It! Book
All Ages - Includes a Learning Style Quizz
Price: $5.00
Discount: 67%
Homeschooling at its best! Learn the art of stress-free homeschooling so you can homeschool your children without losing your mind, or your pocketbook!
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........see more deal here.



Thursday, September 26, 2013

Christopher Columbus Lapbook and Link Up



We've updated our post from last year on Christopher Columbus and added a link up. Check it out and be sure to link up -  Christopher Columbus Lapbook and Link Up.

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Pie and Other Brilliant Ideas BOOK BLAST

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From the Award Winning Author of Millicent Marie is Not MyName

Ballet and baking pies – these are two of twelve year old Georgie Harris’ favorite things. When her parents decide to move closer to her grandmother’s nursing home, Georgie quickly learns the bad news: dance lessons are too expensive in this new town.

Georgie spends most of her time baking pies to bring to her grandmother at the Willow Lakes Nursing Home. There she meets Eve, who inspires Georgie with stories of having danced with a world famous Russian ballerina many years ago.

As Georgie and Eve’s friendship evolves, their tales intertwine in this feel good story showing dreams really can come true.



Bio

Karen Pokras Toz writes middle grade and adult contemporary fiction. Her books have won several awards including two Readers’ Favorite Book Awards, First Place in the Children’s Chapter Books category and the Grand Prize overall in the 2012 Purple Dragonfly Book Awards, as well as placing first for two Global E-Book Awards for Pre-Teen Literature. Her books for children include the Nate Rocks series, Millicent Marie Is Not My Name, and Pie and Other Brilliant Ideas. For adults, she recently published Chasing Invisible. A native of Connecticut, Karen now lives outside of Philadelphia with her husband and three children. For more information, please visit www.karentoz.com.





Links

 WEBSITE ♦ BLOG 

Interview: Karen Pokras Toz – Pie and Other Brilliant Ideas


Tell us about Pie and Other Brilliant Ideas.

“Pie” is really two stories in one book. First it is about 12 year old Georgie Harris. Georgie’s family just moved to a new town to be closer to her grandmother, Jane, who recently moved to a nursing home. Because of the move, Georgie’s family can no longer afford to send her to dance lessons. Instead, Georgie spends most of her time baking pies to bring to her visits with her grandmother. The second story in the book is about Eve – Georgie’s grandmother’s roommate, who we quickly learn was a ballerina in Russia “back in the day.” Not only that, Eve studied and danced with a world famous ballerina named Paulina. Georgie loves to visit Eve and hear stories about what it was like to study ballet in a different time and country, and especially what it was like to dance with the great Paulina Strofsky.

What inspired you to write this book?

I grew up dancing and now two of my three children dance. I knew I eventually would write a book about dance – it was just a matter of time. I began writing Pie while waiting for my daughter to go on stage at one of her dance competitions last winter. The book originally was going to be about the competitive dance circuit – but turned out much differently once I got to know my characters (which is usually the case).

Are you working on anything new at the moment?

Of course! I’ve just started writing the 4th (and final) Nate Rocks book – Nate Rocks the City. Normally, I write my Nate books pretty fast, but I find myself procrastinating on this one. I’m sure it’s because I just don’t want to say goodbye. I’m also working on another Adult Contemporary novel called “Woven Wishes” to hopefully be released this time next year.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I’m a writer? LOL. It still sounds odd for me to call myself that. I don’t know what I am. I’m a mom, and I write. Sometimes if someone asks me what I do, I’ll say I write children’s books (even though now I also write adult books, too). But I have yet to say, “I’m a writer.” I guess after six books, it’s time, huh?

When and how do you find time to write in your daily life?

All three of my children are in school all day, so I try to squeeze in some writing time then. Of course, I always think I’m going to have hours and hours to myself to write, but after I get done doing the million other things on my “to-do” list, there are some days where it is hard to fit it in. Sometimes I just have to put everything aside, and remind myself that this is my job now. It helps that I love to write.

Any advice to aspiring writers looking to self publish?

Be prepared to put in a lot of time and effort – and time – and effort. You need to think of your book as a product, and yourself as a brand. As such, you need to put out the best product possible, and be prepared to compete in a very competitive market. This means – (a) write the best book you can possibly write, (b) put together a test market/group of beta readers, (c) have your book professionally edited, (d) have a professional cover made, (e) have your book professionally formatted, (f) put together a marketing/business plan – and most importantly, keep writing and improving your craft.


What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I don’t know if it’s a quirk, but I have to have coffee, I need silence, and I don’t outline. I generally have a very loose story idea and then let my characters guide me. Sometimes (like in Pie and Other Brilliant Ideas) the story goes in a completely different direction, and sometimes (as is the case with most of my Nate Rocks books) I have to steer my characters in a particular direction (Nate tends to get a little out of control.) Also, I always like to have a title in place before I start writing. I don’t know why – maybe that’s my quirky thing.

Of all the characters you have written, who is your favorite? 

Well now, that’s like asking me which of my three children is my favorite! So, no, I can’t really answer that one. I will tell you this – I had a great time writing Millicent Marie Is Not My Name, and I get a lot of requests to write more books about her. I don’t think I will, but she does live on with her very own blog on my website (www.karentoz.com).

Is there a writer that you would love to co-write a book with?

It is no secret that I am a huge Judy Blume fan. Whenever someone compares my writing style or one of my books to her, I feel like I’ve hit the lottery (not in a monetary sense, but in a self-fulfillment sense). I recently (as in last year) sent her a fan letter (read – stalker letter) and was thrilled when I received an email back from her assistant wishing me well. However, I’m pretty sure I was put on some sort of ‘crazy lady stalker fan stay away from list. But – just in case they are reading this (In a ‘we should really be monitoring this nutjob’ sort of way)  well then ... Judy – call me ...

Do people judge a book by its cover? Who makes yours?

Yes, I do think so, and I also hope so! Now before you think I’m tooting my own horn – don’t. I do not make my own covers. I’m not nearly talented enough (in fact, I have zero artistic talent.) It was only by shear luck that I met my amazing cover artist Deana Riddle of Bookstarter.com. She is the genius behind the incredible artwork that I am fortunate enough to have on my covers. Thank you, Deana!!

What is your greatest challenge as an author?

Time. Writing is only half the battle – and if you really want to break down the time, it’s probably only a quarter of the battle. The other three-quarters is marketing and there is not enough time in the day to market and write. If you are also self-publishing you have the challenge of distribution thrown into the mix and the problem of having upfront costs to deal with – as you can see, there are many challenges – but there are also many rewards.

Tell us your most rewarding experience since being published.

Hearing from readers – whether through parents, educators, or the kids themselves. Nothing makes me happier than getting a note (whether it be via email, a tweet, on FB, through my website, through my blog, etc) that says my child usually hates to read, but I can’t get them to put your book down! THAT is what it is all about to me.

What is the best advice anyone has ever given you?

Two things really: When I first started writing my adult contemporary novel Chasing Invisible (titled “invisible” at the time) it was the first anything I had ever written. I hired a writing coach to read through the first few chapters and give me advice. She told me it was awful. (Don’t worry - I have since re-written that story more times that I can count & I am proud to say it recently won an award!) Anyway – she told me that I had a very young voice, and I should consider writing books for kids. I had never considered this before, but I put invisible to the side, and started working on Nate Rocks the World. That was awesome advice, don’t you think?

The next piece of advice I received was when I proudly handed Nate Rocks the World over to my editor – she said, “I know you are tired and want to take a break – but don’t. Start writing the next book.” I didn’t. But, it was great advice, and it’s something I do follow now as I finish up each book.

Can you see yourself in any of your characters?

I get asked this question a lot. Now that I have several books out, you may notice a trend with my kids’ books. They all have moms who have “issues.”  For example... Nate’s mom is a terrible cook and homemaker, Millie’s mom is a little bit of a shop-a-holic, and now Georgie’s mom is a little high strung. Let me say this. They may or may not be based on me. That’s all I’m saying.

What is something people would be surprised to know about you?

While I have always loved to read, writing was always my worst subject in school. I was always a math/numbers person. In college I took calculus and differential equations for fun (and they were!) I worked as a tax accountant until just recently and only started writing a few years ago. I have no explanation for why I suddenly felt the urge to start writing, but now that I’ve started, I can’t stop!

I hope you’ve enjoyed learning a little about me and my books – thanks for having me on your blog!

Thanks Karen! As always, it's been a pleasure. 


Giveaway:

Swag Gift Pack with $20 Amazon Gift Card
Open internationally
Sept. 25 - Oct. 16
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Marietta Homeschooling Zoo is not responsible for prize fulfillment

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Little Passport Flash Sale - Coupon Code

This post may contain affiliate links.You can read more about affiliate links under my disclosure policy tab, or by clicking here.





My kids are loving Little Passports! Loaded with our suitcase, passport, and boarding pass we head off for distant lands. We think you will love Little Passports too! That's why we wanted to share this amazing offer with you. But you have to hurry sale ends tomorrow!





15% Off Flash Sale on Little Passports Subscriptions
If you've been waiting for Little Passports to have that one special sale of the year, this is it! Use the code FLASH15 at checkout to take 15% off your subscription total. That means if you buy a 1 year subscription, you are paying under $10/month (excluding shipping) for 12 months of fun educational activities! Take a second to check out Little Passports today, it is the perfect educational gift for your kids, your niece/nephew, or grandchild! The packages arrive addressed to that special someone, one of their favorite parts outside of the fun coloring books, stickers, and their own passport! Don't forget to use the code: FLASH15 at checkout to receive your discount and share this offer with your friends and family today! 


Saturday, September 21, 2013

Field Trip Friday ~ Nature Center & Hike

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Yesterday for Field Trip Friday we had a planned trip to the Nature Center with a group of local homeschoolers, but before the Nature Center the girls and I went to check out a local museum.


The girls and I spent a few hours roaming around the museum taking in all the beautiful art work that was displayed. We discussed the different mediums used as well as the different cultures some of the art work represented.


















It wasn't long before it was time to head on over to the Nature Center. While we have visited the state forest before, we had never been to the Nature Center. When we arrived we found this HUGE spider hanging out on the deck in a massive web. I am by no means a spider person and usually hide tail and run in the other direction whenever I come across one. However, I had to grab a picture for a friend that has been torturing me with pictures of spiders on my facebook wall. Besides, it's good for research later - right?


















Once we made it safely inside the Nature Center, Yang immediately ran to the turtles.


While in the Nature Center we learned one very easy way to identify a venomous snake vs a non-venomous snake. It's all in their head.  Venomous snakes typically have a wider head than non-venomous snakes. A common misunderstanding about rattlesnakes is that each ring on their rattle represents a year of life, gaining a new ring each year when they shed their skin. This is actually incorrect, as snakes can actually shed their skin sometimes up to 4 times a year.




















While the Nature Center itself is small, there was tons to discover outside. We captured an ant and watched as an antlion devoured it. It was very quick but quite fascinating.


Someone had brought the Naturalist at the Nature Center snake eggs, so she took us over to check them out. She says they will be hatching any day now.


















We found one that would not be hatching (it was shriveled and dried up) so we did an impromptu dissection.



















After we become official Junior Ohio State Parks Officers, we grabbed out nets and headed out for a nature hike. But first we stopped to check out a small "pond" just outside the Nature Center where we discovered tadpoles, frogs and various larva.



















While on our hike we found a tree that a bear had been feasting in. It had been clawed at and you could see deep impressions in the ground. Luckily he/she was long gone! We came across several species of trees, plants, caterpillars and mushrooms.

                                                                                             


There was so much to see and learn, and even more in the spring so we will definitely be going back. Do you partake in Field Trip Friday in your classroom? If so, where did you go yesterday? Or what was your favorite field trip?



Monday, September 16, 2013

BLOGGERS WANTED: Pie and Other Brilliant Ideas Book Blast

This post may contain affiliate links.You can read more about affiliate links under my disclosure policy tab, or by clicking here.


Sign up for the September 25th  Book Blast
includes swag pack with gift card giveaway and a pre-made interview with Karen Pokras Toz


From the Award Winning Author of Millicent Marie is Not My Name

Ballet and baking pies – these are two of twelve year old Georgie Harris’ favorite things. When her parents decide to move closer to her grandmother’s nursing home, Georgie quickly learns the bad news: dance lessons are too expensive in this new town. 

Georgie spends most of her time baking pies to bring to her grandmother at the Willow Lakes Nursing Home. There she meets Eve, who inspires Georgie with stories of having danced with a world famous Russian ballerina many years ago.

As Georgie and Eve’s friendship evolves, their tales intertwine in this feel good story showing dreams really can come true.

Sign up to participate.




A GWR Publicity event paid for by the author.





Friday, September 13, 2013

Little Passport Lunches Around the World

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What better way to explore countries than finding recipes and cooking authentic meals? This week we are studying Australia and we've been searching for recipes from The Outback, but with Yang's tactile issues with eating, it can be very difficult to try new things. Of course as any 8 year would, Yang picked out Fairy Bread, a popular treat at children's parties. 


Check out these interesting facts and lunch ideas from Little Passports.



France- French children enjoy a 3 or 4-course meal that is made from high-quality ingredients, and are mostly made from scratch. The children all sit in the same eating area, the cafeteria. An interesting fact is that there are no vending machines in schools, because they’re banned due to the high sugar and fat content of the treats they carry. Typical school lunches here can have a variety of dishes and ingredients, such as grilled fish, salad, red beans, seasonal vegetables, garlic sausage, fruit salads and chocolate flan (just to name a few). Another perk is that the food is served on plates and eaten with real silverware!




Japan- In Japan, the school lunch ingredients are locally sourced and almost never frozen; in addition, the schools employ nutrition experts that work with kids and teach them the importance of good eating habits. Like the children in France, Japanese kids also eat in a community-like setting with their peers, and even their teachers! The children also wear white hats and robes to serve their classmates, which teaches them teamwork and respect. You can expect to find lots of rice, vegetables, fish, soup, and meat on the plate. 




South Africa- South African school meals have natural ingredients such as corn, squash, sweet potatoes, and yams. There’s also rice, soft porridge, and meat that is sprinkled in with the vegetables. A special stew is made called potjiekos (named after a potjie, a three-legged pot), which originated from Dutch settlers. The cook puts vegetables, meat, potatoes, and spices into the pot, which is heated by small amounts of wood and twigs. After cooking, the result is a delectable stew!




Colombia- Colombian school lunch ingredients usually vary from region to region, but can contain rice, potatoes, fruit, beans, meatballs, and vegetables such as corn and avocados. There’s a special vegetarian menu also available, and children from 2 to 5 years old have their food cut and portioned into smaller sizes.




We hope you enjoyed our lunch trip around the world, and perhaps found inspiration to try new foods at your own dinner table!